Modular monument assembly with shared water system

ABSTRACT

A modular monument assembly configured to be positioned in an aircraft that includes an enclosure that includes a first module and a second module, and a circulation system that is adapted to receive water from a water source. The circulation system includes a circulation line for circulating water, a water heater, a circulation pump, first and second faucets and first and second lines that are in fluid communication with the first and second faucets. The first faucet is positioned in the first module and the second faucet is positioned in the second module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/722,327 filed Nov. 5, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/858,073 filed Jul. 24, 2013 which are both herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to aircraft monuments and moreparticularly to aircraft monuments that include shared water systemcomponents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, aretypically constructed from modular components; the size, weight andconstruction of which are dictated by many considerations, includingfuselage dimensions, aesthetics and safety. Many of these requirementsare imposed by law or regulation. Aircraft components, such as overheadstowage compartments, seats, lavatories, galleys, lighting systems, etc.are all required to function within strictly confined spaces.

Manufacturers of aircraft are constantly refining interior aircraftdesigns to achieve more comfort and utility for passengers and crewwithin carrier-imposed restraints on cost, weight, maintenancedown-time, and safety. Commercial passenger aircraft generally includegalleys for use by the crew for storing food and the like and lavatoriesfor use by the crew and passengers.

Lavatories and galleys on commercial aircraft have traditionally beenseparate monuments. Each structure is isolated in terms of structure,plumbing, electric power, and geometry. Lavatories and galleys arearranged and installed in aircraft separately. Monuments with more thanone lavatory and/or galley are known. However, each lavatory or galleywithin the monument typically includes separate system connections andcomponents (e.g., potable water, gray water, water heater, water filter,etc.) that connect to the aircraft interfaces. For galley/lavatorymodules or monuments sharing a common structure or being in closeproximity it would allow significant system and weight improvements toshare a common system port to use shared components for identical orsimilar functions or to share a water heater and/or water filter.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a modular monument assembly configured to be positioned in anaircraft that includes an enclosure that includes a first module and asecond module, and a circulation system that is adapted to receive waterfrom a water source. The circulation system includes a circulation linefor circulating water, a water heater, a circulation pump, first andsecond faucets and first and second lines that are in fluidcommunication with the first and second faucets. The first faucet ispositioned in the first module and the second faucet is positioned inthe second module. In a preferred embodiment, the water heater, waterpump, circulation line and first line are positioned in the firstmodule, and the second line is positioned in the second module.Preferably, the circulation system further comprises a water filterpositioned in the first module. In a preferred embodiment, the modularmonument assembly includes a potable water system that includes apotable water port. The potable water system is configured to providewater to the circulation system. The modular monument assembly alsoincludes a gray water system that includes a gray water port, a firstsink positioned in the first module, a second sink positioned in thesecond module, and lines connecting the gray water port, first sink andsecond sink. Preferably, the first module is a first lavatory and thesecond module is a second lavatory and the potable water system includesa toilet rinse valve positioned in the first lavatory and a toilet rinsevalve positioned in the second lavatory.

In a preferred embodiment the modular monument assembly includes a thirdmodule that is a galley and that includes a third sink positionedtherein that is part of the gray water system. Preferably, there is atleast one water using component positioned in the galley that isconfigured to receive water from the potable water system. In apreferred embodiment, with the third module included, the water heater,water pump, circulation line and first line are positioned in the firstlavatory, and the second line is positioned in the second lavatory. In apreferred embodiment, the water pump, circulation line and first lineare positioned in the first lavatory, the second line is positioned inthe second lavatory and the water heater is positioned in the galley.With this configuration, the water heater is configured to provide hotwater to at least the circulation system and a hot water using componentpositioned in the galley.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided an aircraft that includes a modular monument assembly thatcomprises an enclosure that includes a first lavatory and a secondlavatory separated by a wall and a circulation system. The firstlavatory includes a first sink and a first toilet positioned therein,and the second lavatory includes a second sink and a second toiletpositioned therein. The circulation system includes a circulation linefor circulating water, a water heater, a water filter, a circulationpump, first and second faucets and first and second lines that are influid communication with the first and second faucets. The first faucetis positioned in the first lavatory and the second faucet is positionedin the second lavatory. The water heater, water filter, water pump,circulation line and first line are positioned in the first module, andthe second line is positioned in the second lavatory.

In a preferred embodiment, the aircraft further includes therein apotable water system that includes a potable water port associated withthe enclosure, a first toilet rinse valve positioned in the firstlavatory and a second toilet rinse valve positioned in the secondlavatory. The potable water system is configured to provide water to thecirculation system, the first toilet rinse valve and the second toiletrinse valve. Preferably, the aircraft also includes a gray water systemthat includes a gray water port, the first sink, the second sink andlines connecting the gray water port, first sink and second sink.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a modular monument assembly that includesthree modules in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of another modular monument assembly thatincludes three modules in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a modular monument assembly that includestwo modules in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a circulation system that can be usedin a modular monument assembly;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a modular monument assembly thatincludes two modules and a circulation system in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the aft portion of an aircraft with a modularmonument assembly disposed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted.

It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than oneway. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for anyone or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is tobe placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein.Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or moresynonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examplesanywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussedherein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit thescope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given inthis specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,”“bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,”“inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease ofdescription and refer to the orientation of the components as shown inthe figures. It should be understood that any orientation of thecomponents described herein is within the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustratingthe present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS.1-5 show embodiments of modular monument assemblies that include atleast some shared system components. In particular, the invention can beused on commercial passenger aircraft. However, this is not a limitationon the present invention and the modular monument assemblies can be usedelsewhere. The modular monument assemblies can include any number ofmodules therein. More specifically, the modular monument assemblies caninclude any combination of lavatories and/or galleys therein.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a modular monument assembly 10 thatincludes first, second and third modules therein. Specifically, in thisembodiment, the modular monument assembly includes a galley 12 and firstand second lavatories 14 and 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the modularmonument assembly 10 comprises an enclosure 17 that includes therein awater system 18 that includes generally a potable water system 20 shownin solid lines, a gray water system 22 shown in dashed lines, and acirculation system 24 shown in center lines. The potable water system 20includes a potable system port 26 and the gray water system 22 includesa gray water port 28. In a preferred embodiment, the ports 26 and 28 arepositioned on a wall 30 of the modular monument assembly 10, such thatthey can be operatively connected to the aircraft's water system. InFIG. 1, the ports 26 and 28 are positioned in the galley 12. However,this is not a limitation and they can be positioned in either of thefirst or second lavatories 14 and 16 (or other module) as well.

As is shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the potable watersystem 20 branches to the galley 12 and the first and second lavatories14 and 16. Potable water enters at the potable system port 26. In thegalley 12, the potable water system 20 includes a shut off valve 32 andfilter 34 prior to running to the water using components 36, such as aspigot/faucet 36 a, beverage maker 36 b and others 36 c. In the firstlavatory 14, the potable water system 20 includes a three-way shut offvalve 38 and extends to a toilet rinse valve 40 and a water heater 42.In the second lavatory 16, the potable water system 20 includes atwo-way shut off valve 44 and extends to a toilet rinse valve 40.

The gray water system 22 shown in FIG. 1 branches to the galley 12 andthe first and second lavatories 14 and 16. Sinks 46 are preferablyincluded in the galley 12 and the first and second lavatories 14 and 16.As shown in FIG. 1, the water that drains from all three sinks 46 runsthrough the gray water system 22 and to the gray water port 28.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the circulation system 24circulates warm water between the first and second lavatories 14 and 16.Generally, the circulation system 24 includes the water heater 42, athermostat unit 48 (which may be part of the water heater 42), acirculation pump 50, a check valve 52 and faucets 54 that are associatedwith the sinks 46 in the first and second lavatories 14 and 16. In apreferred embodiment, the faucets 54 include a solenoid valve 55.However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. A filter canalso be included in the system. In use, water is heated in the waterheater 42 (which receives water via the potable water system 20) and fedthrough the thermostat unit 48 that helps maintain the water at apredetermined temperature and then is circulated by the circulation pump50 through the lines 56 (and the filter, if included) and to the faucets54, as necessary. This keeps the water in the faucets 54 warm and readyfor use by aircraft patrons.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a modular monument assembly 10 asimilar to the embodiment described above and that also includes agalley 12 and first and second lavatories 14 and 16. In this embodiment,the water heater 42 provides hot water to the first and secondlavatories 14 and 16 and also to the galley 12. The water flowing fromthe hot water heater 42 to the thermostat unit 48 and a hot water usingcomponent 36 d (which may, for example, be a coffee maker) isrepresented by the dotted line in FIG. 2. Any type of water heater canbe used. For example a water heater that provides 1 L, 3 KW, and 85° C.can be used.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a modular monument assembly 10 bsimilar to the embodiments described above and that includes first andsecond lavatories 14 and 16. In this embodiment, the potable watersystem 20, gray water system 22 and circulation system 24 are all sharedbetween the first and second lavatories 14 and 16. Also, the potablesystem port 26 and gray water port 28 are both located in one of thefirst or second lavatories 14 and 16.

It will be appreciated that FIGS. 1-3 are schematic views of the modularmonument assemblies 10, 10 a and 10 b and that the positioning of thecomponents in the figures is not intended to be limiting. For example,the water heater 42 is shown positioned in FIG. 1 in the first lavatory14. However, it can also be positioned in the galley 12 or the secondlavatory 16. Furthermore, the valves and filters, etc. can be positioneddifferently and can be omitted in certain embodiments. It will beappreciated that other lines and systems may be included in the modularmonument assemblies. For example, a waste system for flushing thetoilets will likely be included in practical use. Furthermore, thepotable water system 20 may run to the faucets 54 in the first andsecond lavatories 14 and 16 and bypass the circulation system 24 andwater heater 42 to provide cold water.

FIGS. 4-5 show an embodiment of modular monument assembly 10 b thatincludes the circulation system 24 installed in an enclosure 17 thatincludes first and second lavatories 14 and 16. It will be appreciatedthat this can be a standalone monument or can be combined with a galleymonument. The enclosure 17 includes side walls 61, a dividing wall 64, arear wall 66 and a front wall 68 (FIG. 5) that includes doors 70 (FIG.5) that provide access to the first and second lavatories 14 and 16.

As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation system 24 includes water heater 42,circulation pump 50, a circulation line/hose 57, a filter 58 and a firstline 60 that extends to the first faucet 54 and a second line 62 thatextends to the second faucet 54. As shown in FIG. 4, the bulk of thecirculation system 24 is installed in the first lavatory 14 and a line56 extends into the second lavatory 16 and to the faucet 54 therein. Inanother embodiment, the bulk of the circulation system 24 can bepositioned in the second lavatory 16. It will be appreciated by those ofskill in the art, that the circulation system 24 provides a single waterheater 42 and water filter 58 together with a circulation pump 50 thatkeeps water in the hoses/lines 56, 57, 60 or 62 warm. By eliminating awater heater in the second lavatory 16 there is a weight and spacebenefit compared to the prior art. It will be appreciated that inanother embodiment, the water heater and filter (and other components)can be included in the second lavatory 16 instead of the first lavatory.

Any of the modular monument assemblies 10, 10 a or 10 b can bepositioned in an aircraft 100. FIG. 6 shows modular monument assembly 10b positioned in an aircraft 100. Generally, the enclosure 17 includesside walls 61, dividing wall 64, rear wall 66, front wall 68, doors 70,sinks 46, toilets 72 (which may be sit down toilets or urinals) andother components that are typically used or present in aircraftlavatories.

It will be appreciated that the modular monument assemblies and theenclosures thereof may be unitary and include the lavatories/galleyswithin a single structure or may be separate structures that arepositioned adjacent one another, but that still include sharedcomponents, as described above. In another embodiment, the modularmonument assembly only includes a lavatory and a galley.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of thefollowing interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, allof the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples:alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements orranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used hereinare merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention.Other measurements can be used.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the abovedescription describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, anddescribes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the aboveappears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details ofthe system may vary considerably in its implementation details, whilestill being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will include the words “means for”). Accordingly, theapplicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing theapplication to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects ofthe disclosure.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms usedherein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes,modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular monument assembly configured to bepositioned in an aircraft, the modular monument assembly comprising: anenclosure that includes a first module and a second module, and acirculation system that is adapted to receive water from a water source,wherein the circulation system includes a circulation line forcirculating water, a water heater, a circulation pump, first and secondfaucets and first and second lines that are in fluid communication withthe first and second faucets, and wherein the first faucet is positionedin the first module and the second faucet is positioned in the secondmodule.
 2. The modular monument assembly of claim 1 wherein the waterheater, water pump, circulation line and first line are positioned inthe first module, and the second line is positioned in the secondmodule.
 3. The modular monument assembly of claim 2 wherein thecirculation system further comprises a water filter positioned in thefirst module.
 4. The modular monument assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising a potable water system that includes a potable water port,wherein the potable water system is configured to provide water to thecirculation system.
 5. The modular monument assembly of claim 4 furthercomprising a gray water system that includes a gray water port, a firstsink positioned in the first module, a second sink positioned in thesecond module, and lines connecting the gray water port, first sink andsecond sink.
 6. The modular monument assembly of claim 5 wherein thefirst module is a first lavatory and the second module is a secondlavatory, and wherein the potable water system includes a toilet rinsevalve positioned in the first lavatory and a toilet rinse valvepositioned in the second lavatory.
 7. The modular monument assembly ofclaim 6 further comprising a third module, wherein the third module is agalley that includes a third sink positioned therein that is part of thegray water system.
 8. The modular monument assembly of claim 7 furthercomprising at least one water using component positioned in the galley,wherein the at least one water using component is configured to receivewater from the potable water system.
 9. The modular monument assembly ofclaim 8 wherein the water heater, water pump, circulation line and firstline are positioned in the first lavatory, and the second line ispositioned in the second lavatory.
 10. The modular monument assembly ofclaim 9 wherein the circulation system further comprises a water filterpositioned in the first module.
 11. The modular monument assembly ofclaim 8 wherein the water pump, circulation line and first line arepositioned in the first lavatory, the second line is positioned in thesecond lavatory and the water heater is positioned in the galley, andwherein the water heater is configured to provide hot water to thecirculation system and a hot water using component positioned in thegalley.
 12. An aircraft comprising: a modular monument assembly thatcomprises an enclosure that includes a first lavatory and a secondlavatory separated by a wall, wherein the first lavatory includes afirst sink and a first toilet positioned therein, wherein the secondlavatory includes a second sink and a second toilet positioned therein,a circulation system that includes a circulation line for circulatingwater, a water heater, a water filter, a circulation pump, first andsecond faucets and first and second lines that are in fluidcommunication with the first and second faucets, wherein the firstfaucet is positioned in the first lavatory and the second faucet ispositioned in the second lavatory, wherein the water heater, waterfilter, water pump, circulation line and first line are positioned inthe first module, and the second line is positioned in the secondlavatory.
 13. The aircraft of claim 12 further comprising a potablewater system that includes a potable water port associated with theenclosure, a first toilet rinse valve positioned in the first lavatoryand a second toilet rinse valve positioned in the second lavatory,wherein the potable water system is configured to provide water to thecirculation system, the first toilet rinse valve and the second toiletrinse valve.
 14. The aircraft of claim 13 further comprising a graywater system that includes a gray water port, the first sink, the secondsink and lines connecting the gray water port, first sink and secondsink.
 15. The aircraft of claim 14 wherein the enclosure furthercomprises a galley that includes a third sink and at least one waterusing component positioned therein, wherein the at least one water usingcomponent is configured to receive water from the potable water systemand the third sink is part of the gray water system.